Medieval drama originated in the Christian church between the 9th-12th centuries to help convey religious teachings to the illiterate masses. Plays began as simple dramatizations of biblical stories but later evolved into morality plays performed by trade guilds. Notable early playwrights included the nun Hrosvitha in the 10th century, English churchman John Bale in the 16th century, and French composer Adam de la Halle in the 13th century. Medieval plays were performed on porches or platforms to accommodate growing audiences and help spread religious and social messages.

1. Medieval DramaBy: Danny, Pia, Jordan & Jessie

2. The Medieval PeriodThe medieval time of history spans a period of more than 700 years, beginning around the year 800. During this time, there were key advances in society, government and religion.

3. History of Medieval TheatreLittle is known about theatre between 600-1000 A.D.There are references to actors aka histriones, jugglers, rope dances in nomadic tribes, remnants of Roman mimes, popular pagan festivals & rites.Teutonic minstrels or Troubadours (scops [ pronounced shope]) became the primary preservers of tribal histories.But as they converted to Christianity after the 7th & 8 th century these people were ridiculed & denounced. This is when the little drama they had began to fade.

4. Theater is RebornBetween 925 & 975 drama is reintroduced into church services. Theatre is reborn, the church couldn’t stop pagan rites, so many aspects found their way in to Christian services. For example Christmas was moved to December in the 4th century, in order to compete with the Pagan rites of winter. Easter replaced the Spring festivals.

5. Morality PlaysCommon people didn’t understand Latin, nor read it. So, to ignite an interest in a faith losing to paganism the church began incorporating it’s liturgy into plays.The earliest example is a 4-line dramatization of the resurrection of Christ, it was called, “ The Three Marys.This practiced then blossomed into many skits dealing with biblical themes. However most plays stayed in Latin till approx. 1200

6. The Church & DramaAt first the church had control of drama even outside of the church- they would give the approvalBut secular groups like trade guilds took over. They were called, “Confraternities”. It was common that certain guild would retain control over certain play/stories, all of which were based on the Bible or religious teachings.For example : The Bakers Guild would control the play about the Last Supper,& Shipwrights would get plays about Noah.

7. AuthorsMost authors of Medieval plays were anonymous.Some important ones are:Hrosvitha- A Benedictine NunJohn Bale- English ChurchmanAdam de la Halle – A French composer

8. HrosvithaHrosvitha- Was the first female playwright, and she was a Nun from Gandersheim Germany. She wrote in Latin, and is considered by some to be the first person since antiquity to compose drama in the West.The Panegyric of the Line of Otho; and six plays intended to wean the scholars of those days from the reading of Terence. These dramas, collectively known as Comaedia Sacrae VI, are the most remarkable part of her productions

9. John BaleJohn Bale (21 November 1495 – November 1563) was an English churchman, historian and controversialist, and Bishop of Ossory. He wrote the oldest known historical verse drama in English (on the subject of King John)This was a time of religious upheaval in England. The Roman Catholics vs. the Protestants.John Bale denounced the monastic system and its supporters in unrestrained language and coarse imagery. The prayer of Infidelitas which opens the second act of his Three Laws is an example of his profane parody.

10. Adam de la HalleBorn in Arras, France. Died in Naples, Italy. He was a musician and poet in the court of Count d'Artois. He is one of the few medieval musicians to be credited with both monophonic and polyphonic music. Adam de la Halle is one of the earliest authors of French secular theater. His Le Jeu de Robin et de Marion, (Play of Robin and Marion) in 1285 led to the birth of Opera Comique.

11. Medieval StagesThere were two main areas for performances to take place:Mansions- These were small scenic structures that indicated the location. The church usually served as a mansion (the choir loft could of served as Heaven; whereas the altar could of been the tomb of Christ. Platea- This was a general acting area, adjacent to the mansion. Eventually Dramas were moved outdoors probably because of the expanding needs of the plays.

12. Medieval Stages

13. More Stage Examples

14. Purpose of theatre A theatrical performance in the Middle Ages was often a social, religious, and commercial event affecting a whole community and involving not only the spoken word, but also spectacle, music, and even dance. Moreover, drama was arguably the most pervasive of all literary genres, since the illiteracy of the public couldn’t be a barrier. It was a way to get the local news, or learn religious morals, it also was a time and place to have fun, & socialize.

15. Theater of the Middle Ages evolvesThe prohibition of religious plays by Queen Elizabeth most prominently marked the decline of the medieval theatre, along with an increased interest in classical learning that affected scripts and staging. By the late 16th century, medieval theatre gave way to the Elizabethan Era.

16. How it Reflects on Our SocietyModern plays have outgrown the bindings of the church and have come a long way from being performed by guilds. Although now, trained actors perform the same plays, the audience has not changed much. The audience is still attracted to the drama surrounding mystery, passion, and creation, which will forever be dubbed as classics. Medieval plays have set a strong foundation for today’s modern plays.

17. Why We Still do These PlaysMedieval plays are still preformed today, primarily as a form of entertainment. These plays have become as popular as the bible, given that they portray familiar biblical derived content. Medieval plays captivate their audience by way of the following engaging elements: Mystical, miracle, and morality, which are sure to draw a crowd even today